EVEREST RE GROUP LTD - FORM 8-K - EX-99.1 - EARNINGS RELEASE 4Q2017 - February 5, 2018

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NEWS RELEASE
          
                                          

EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.
Seon Place, 141 Front Street, 4th Floor, Hamilton HM 19, Bermuda



Contact:  Elizabeth B. Farrell
Vice President, Investor Relations
Everest Global Services, Inc.
908.604.3169


For Immediate Release


Everest Re Group Reports Record Quarter Net Income Earnings Per Share of $13.85;
Full Year Return on Equity of 6%

HAMILTON, Bermuda – February 5, 2018 -- Everest Re Group, Ltd. (NYSE: RE) today reported fourth quarter 2017 net income of $571.0 million, or $13.85 per diluted common share, compared to net income of $373.6 million, or $9.08 per diluted common share, for the fourth quarter of 2016. After-tax operating income1, excluding realized capital gains and losses and the tax charge related to the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA), was $556.0 million, or $13.48 per diluted common share, for the fourth quarter of 2017, compared to after-tax operating income¹ of $363.4 million, or $8.83 per diluted common share, for the same period last year.

For the year ended December 31, 2017, net income was $469.0 million, or $11.36 per diluted common share, compared to $996.3 million, or $23.68 per diluted common share, for 2016. After-tax operating income1, excluding realized capital gains and losses and the tax charge related to the enactment of  the TCJA, was $375.4 million, or $9.10 per diluted common share, for the full year 2017, compared to $993.5 million or $23.61 per diluted common share, for 2016.

Commenting on the Company's results, President and Chief Executive Officer, Dominic J. Addesso said, "Everest experienced an exceptional quarter with $556 million of net operating income, giving rise to a respectable year of earnings, despite 2017 being one of the most costly catastrophe loss years on record. The underlying results were quite strong with an attritional combined ratio for the year of 85.0%. More importantly is that all segments contributed to these positive results. For the full year, Everest generated a 6% ROE and reached a new milestone with premium of $7.2 billion."

1
Operating highlights for the fourth quarter and full year 2017 included the following:

·
Gross written premiums for the quarter were $1.9 billion, an increase of 26% compared to the fourth quarter of 2016. For the full year, gross written premiums grew 19% to $7.2 billion. Eliminating reinstatement premiums and the effects of foreign currency fluctuations, total premiums were actually up 16% for the year. Worldwide reinsurance premiums were up 17%, on this same basis, while direct insurance premiums were up 15% for the year.
·
The combined ratio was 70.0% for the quarter and 103.5% for the year, compared to 82.1% and 87.0%, respectively, for the same periods in 2016. The quarter benefitted from net prior year reserve releases of $262.1 million and a net reduction to prior period catastrophe loss estimates of $132.7 million, including a $102.7 million reduction in the catastrophe loss estimates for the third quarter 2017 events. This was offset by $161.5 million for catastrophe losses that occurred in the quarter, including both the Northern and Southern California wildfires. For the full year, catastrophe losses, net of reinstatement premiums, totaled $1.3 billion. Excluding catastrophe losses, reinstatement premiums and favorable prior year loss development, the calendar year attritional combined ratio was 85.0% compared to 85.5% for 2016.
·
Net investment income amounted to $149.1 million for the quarter and $542.9 million for the full year 2017, up 15% over the full year 2016 results.
·
Net after-tax realized capital gains totaled $23.2 million in the quarter. For the full year, realized capital gains, net of tax, amounted to $101.8 million, while unrealized capital losses, net of tax, were $71.3 million.
·
Cash flow from operations was $118.5 million for the quarter and $1.2 billion for the full year 2017. This compared to $422.9 million and $1.4 billion for the same periods, respectively, in 2016.
·
For the year, the after-tax operating income1 return on average adjusted shareholders' equity2 was 4.6%.
·
The enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) resulted in a charge of $8.2 million in the quarter, or $0.20 per diluted common share. Additionally, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) has proposed a change in accounting standards that, if adopted, would require certain income tax effects of the TCJA to be reclassified from other comprehensive income (OCI) to retained earnings.   If the FASB adopts that proposal prior to the filing of the Company's Form 10-K, the Company intends to "early adopt" the updated accounting standard and reflect it in the financial statements filed with its Form 10-K, resulting in an estimated $1.3 million decline in OCI with a corresponding increase in retained earnings.   Further information about this proposed change in accounting standards is available in the Company's Form 8-K filed in connection with this news release.
·
During the quarter and for the full year, the Company purchased 236,493 shares for a total cost of $50 million. The repurchases were made pursuant to a share repurchase authorization, provided by the Company's Board of Directors, under which there remains 1.8 million shares available.
·
Shareholders' equity ended the year at $8.4 billion. Book value per share increased 4% from $197.45 at year-end 2016 to $204.95 at December 31, 2017.

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws.  We intend these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements in the U.S. Federal securities laws. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements made on behalf of the Company.  These risks and uncertainties include the impact of general economic conditions and conditions affecting the insurance and reinsurance industry, the adequacy of our reserves, our ability to assess underwriting risk, trends in rates for property and casualty insurance and reinsurance, competition, investment market fluctuations, trends in insured and paid losses, catastrophes, regulatory and legal uncertainties and other factors described in our latest Annual Report on Form 10-K.  The Company
 
2
 
undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Everest Re Group, Ltd. is a Bermuda holding company that operates through the following subsidiaries: Everest Reinsurance Company provides reinsurance to property and casualty insurers in both the U.S. and international markets. Everest Reinsurance (Bermuda), Ltd., including through its branch in the United Kingdom, provides reinsurance and insurance to worldwide property and casualty markets and reinsurance to life insurers. Everest Reinsurance Company (Ireland), dac. provides reinsurance to non-life insurers in Europe. Everest Insurance® refers to the primary insurance operations of Everest Re Group, Ltd., and its affiliated companies which offer property, casualty and specialty lines insurance on both an admitted and non-admitted basis in the U.S. and internationally. The Company also operates within the Lloyd's insurance market through Syndicate 2786. In addition, through Mt. Logan Re, Ltd., the Company manages segregated accounts, capitalized by the Company and third party investors that provide reinsurance for property catastrophe risks. Additional information on Everest Re Group companies can be found at the Group's web site at www.everestregroup.com.

A conference call discussing the fourth quarter results will be held at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time on February 6, 2018. The call will be available on the Internet through the Company's web site or at www.streetevents.com.

Recipients are encouraged to visit the Company's web site to view supplemental financial information on the Company's results. The supplemental information is located at www.everestregroup.com in the "Financial Reports" section of the "Investor Center". The supplemental financial information may also be obtained by contacting the Company directly.
   
_______________________________________________________________________
1The Company generally uses after-tax operating income (loss), a non-GAAP financial measure, to evaluate its performance.  After-tax operating income (loss) consists of net income (loss) excluding after-tax net realized capital gains (losses) and the tax charge related to the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) as the following reconciliation displays:
 
 
  
Three Months Ended
    
Twelve Months Ended
  
 
  
December 31,
    
December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
  
2017
    
2016
    
2017
    
2016
  
 
        
(unaudited)
                
(unaudited)
        
 
                                                
 
        
Per Diluted
          
Per Diluted
          
Per Diluted
          
Per Diluted
  
 
        
Common
          
Common
          
Common
          
Common
  
 
  
Amount
    
Share
    
Amount
    
Share
    
Amount
    
Share
    
Amount
    
Share
  
 
                                                
Net income (loss)
  
$
571,025
    
$
13.85
    
$
373,572
    
$
9.08
    
$
468,968
    
$
11.36
    
$
996,344
    
$
23.68
  
After-tax net realized capital gains (losses)
    
23,226
      
0.56
      
10,180
      
0.25
      
101,806
      
2.47
      
2,878
      
0.07
  
Impact of TCJA enactment
    
(8,246
)
    
(0.20
)
     -       -        
(8,246
)
    
(0.20
)
     -       -    
 
                                                                
After-tax operating income (loss)
  
$
556,045
    
$
13.48
    
$
363,392
    
$
8.83
    
$
375,408
    
$
9.10
    
$
993,466
    
$
23.61
  
 
                                                                
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
                                                                
 
Although net realized capital gains (losses) are an integral part of the Company's insurance operations, the determination of net realized capital gains (losses) is independent of the insurance underwriting process.  The Company believes that the level of net realized capital gains (losses) for any particular period is not indicative of the performance of the underlying business in that particular period.  Providing only a GAAP presentation of net income (loss) makes it more difficult for users of the financial information to evaluate the Company's success or failure in its basic business, and may lead to incorrect or misleading assumptions and conclusions.  The Company understands that the equity analysts who follow the Company focus on after-tax operating income (loss) in their analyses for the reasons discussed above.  The Company provides after-tax operating income (loss) to investors so that they have what management believes to be a useful supplement to GAAP information concerning the Company's performance.

2Adjusted shareholders' equity excludes net after-tax unrealized (appreciation) depreciation of investments

--Financial Details Follow--

 
3
EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.
                        
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                        
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
                        
                         
                         
   
Three Months Ended
    
Twelve Months Ended
  
   
December 31,
    
December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
  
2017
    
2016
    
2017
    
2016
  
   
(unaudited)
    
(unaudited)
        
REVENUES:
                        
Premiums earned
  
$
1,657,187
    
$
1,441,265
    
$
5,937,840
    
$
5,320,466
  
Net investment income
    
149,128
      
115,167
      
542,898
      
473,085
  
Net realized capital gains (losses):
                                
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities
    
(1,905
)
    
(465
)
    
(7,093
)
    
(31,595
)
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities
                                
transferred to other comprehensive income (loss)
    
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
  
Other net realized capital gains (losses)
    
35,568
      
34,470
      
160,287
      
24,379
  
Total net realized capital gains (losses)
    
33,663
      
34,005
      
153,194
      
(7,216
)
Net derivative gain (loss)
    
3,529
      
13,161
      
9,581
      
18,647
  
Other income (expense)
    
23,704
      
10,362
      
(35,442
)
    
(10,636
)
Total revenues
    
1,867,211
      
1,613,960
      
6,608,071
      
5,794,346
  
                                 
CLAIMS AND EXPENSES:
                                
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses
    
680,436
      
794,896
      
4,522,581
      
3,139,629
  
Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees
    
388,625
      
308,639
      
1,303,963
      
1,188,692
  
Other underwriting expenses
    
90,916
      
79,972
      
318,817
      
302,722
  
Corporate expenses
    
4,615
      
5,828
      
25,923
      
27,231
  
Interest, fees and bond issue cost amortization expense
    
7,314
      
9,034
      
31,603
      
36,228
  
Total claims and expenses
    
1,171,906
      
1,198,369
      
6,202,887
      
4,694,502
  
                                 
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES
    
695,305
      
415,591
      
405,184
      
1,099,844
  
Income tax expense (benefit)
    
124,280
      
42,019
      
(63,784
)
    
103,500
  
                                 
NET INCOME (LOSS)
  
$
571,025
    
$
373,572
    
$
468,968
    
$
996,344
  
                                 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
                                
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) ("URA(D)") on securities arising during the period
    
(83,093
)
    
(200,656
)
    
(64,348
)
    
57,629
  
Reclassification adjustment for realized losses (gains) included in net income (loss)
    
9,779
      
(12,594
)
    
(6,950
)
    
15,118
  
Total URA(D) on securities arising during the period
    
(73,314
)
    
(213,250
)
    
(71,298
)
    
72,747
  
                                 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    
(3,207
)
    
(72,980
)
    
121,917
      
(55,341
)
                                 
Benefit plan actuarial net gain (loss) for the period
    
1,027
      
(7,488
)
    
1,027
      
(7,488
)
Reclassification adjustment for amortization of net (gain) loss included in net income (loss)
    
100
      
1,124
      
5,477
      
5,073
  
Total benefit plan net gain (loss) for the period
    
1,127
      
(6,364
)
    
6,504
      
(2,415
)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
    
(75,394
)
    
(292,594
)
    
57,123
      
14,991
  
                                 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
  
$
495,631
    
$
80,978
    
$
526,091
    
$
1,011,335
  
                                 
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:
                                
Basic
  
$
13.92
    
$
9.14
    
$
11.43
    
$
23.85
  
Diluted
    
13.85
      
9.08
      
11.36
      
23.68
  
Dividends declared
    
1.30
      
1.25
      
5.05
      
4.70
  


 


EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.
            
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
            
             
             
   
December 31,
  
(Dollars and share amounts in thousands, except par value per share)
  
2017
  
2016
   
(unaudited)
      
ASSETS:
            
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at market value
  
$
14,756,834
    
$
14,107,408
  
(amortized cost: 2017, $14,689,598; 2016, $13,932,613)
                
Equity securities - available for sale, at market value (cost: 2017, $130,287; 2016, $129,553)
    
129,530
      
119,067
  
Equity securities - available for sale, at fair value
    
963,572
      
1,010,085
  
Short-term investments
    
509,682
      
431,478
  
Other invested assets (cost: 2017, $1,628,753; 2016, $1,333,069)
    
1,631,850
      
1,333,129
  
Cash
    
635,067
      
481,922
  
Total investments and cash
    
18,626,535
      
17,483,089
  
Accrued investment income
    
97,704
      
96,473
  
Premiums receivable
    
1,844,881
      
1,485,990
  
Reinsurance receivables
    
1,348,226
      
1,018,325
  
Funds held by reinsureds
    
292,927
      
260,644
  
Deferred acquisition costs
    
411,587
      
344,052
  
Prepaid reinsurance premiums
    
288,211
      
191,768
  
Income taxes
    
299,438
      
177,704
  
Other assets
    
382,283
      
263,459
  
TOTAL ASSETS
  
$
23,591,792
    
$
21,321,504
  
                 
LIABILITIES:
                
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses
  
$
11,884,321
    
$
10,312,313
  
Future policy benefit reserve
    
51,014
      
55,074
  
Unearned premium reserve
    
2,000,556
      
1,577,546
  
Funds held under reinsurance treaties
    
18,030
      
21,278
  
Commission reserves
    
30,660
      
70,335
  
Other net payable to reinsurers
    
218,017
      
190,986
  
4.868% Senior notes due 6/1/2044
    
396,834
      
396,714
  
6.6% Long term notes due 5/1/2067
    
236,561
      
236,462
  
Accrued interest on debt and borrowings
    
2,727
      
3,537
  
Equity index put option liability
    
12,477
      
22,059
  
Unsettled securities payable
    
38,743
      
27,927
  
Other liabilities
    
332,620
      
331,877
  
Total liabilities
    
15,222,560
      
13,246,108
  
                 
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
                
Preferred shares, par value: $0.01; 50,000 shares authorized;
                
no shares issued and outstanding
    
-
      
-
  
Common shares, par value: $0.01; 200,000 shares authorized; (2017) 69,044
                
and (2016) 68,871 outstanding before treasury shares
    
691
      
689
  
Additional paid-in capital
    
2,165,768
      
2,140,783
  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred income tax expense
                
(benefit) of $8,105 at 2017 and $8,240 at 2016
    
(159,641
)
    
(216,764
)
Treasury shares, at cost; 28,208 shares (2017) and 27,972 shares (2016)
    
(3,322,244
)
    
(3,272,244
)
Retained earnings
    
9,684,658
      
9,422,932
  
Total shareholders' equity
    
8,369,232
      
8,075,396
  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
  
$
23,591,792
    
$
21,321,504
  


 


EVEREST RE GROUP, LTD.
            
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
            
             
             
   
Twelve Months Ended
  
   
December 31,
  
(Dollars in thousands)
  
2017
    
2016
  
   
(unaudited)
        
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
            
Net income (loss)
  
$
468,968
    
$
996,344
  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                
Decrease (increase) in premiums receivable
    
(338,335
)
    
(15,655
)
Decrease (increase) in funds held by reinsureds, net
    
(31,104
)
    
22,219
  
Decrease (increase) in reinsurance receivables
    
(238,485
)
    
(202,950
)
Decrease (increase) in income taxes
    
(114,521
)
    
54,526
  
Decrease (increase) in prepaid reinsurance premiums
    
(86,049
)
    
(32,455
)
Increase (decrease) in reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses
    
1,376,321
      
545,967
  
Increase (decrease) in future policy benefit reserve
    
(4,060
)
    
(3,836
)
Increase (decrease) in unearned premiums
    
401,174
      
(22,072
)
Increase (decrease) in other net payable to reinsurers
    
10,071
      
26,200
  
Increase (decrease) in losses in course of payment
    
(105,371
)
    
(45,933
)
Change in equity adjustments in limited partnerships
    
(82,713
)
    
(37,939
)
Distribution of limited partnership income
    
50,825
      
62,008
  
Change in other assets and liabilities, net
    
(66,998
)
    
(45,605
)
Non-cash compensation expense
    
30,297
      
26,398
  
Amortization of bond premium (accrual of bond discount)
    
45,867
      
49,167
  
Net realized capital (gains) losses
    
(153,194
)
    
7,216
  
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    
1,162,693
      
1,383,600
  
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
                
Proceeds from fixed maturities matured/called - available for sale, at market value
    
2,160,298
      
1,919,808
  
Proceeds from fixed maturities sold - available for sale, at market value
    
2,401,844
      
1,258,434
  
Proceeds from fixed maturities sold - available for sale, at fair value
    
-
      
5,837
  
Proceeds from equity securities sold - available for sale, at market value
    
19,574
      
6,423
  
Proceeds from equity securities sold - available for sale, at fair value
    
631,859
      
723,359
  
Distributions from other invested assets
    
5,579,043
      
4,823,484
  
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary (net of cash disposed)
    
-
      
47,721
  
Cost of fixed maturities acquired - available for sale, at market value
    
(5,131,098
)
    
(4,061,896
)
Cost of fixed maturities acquired - available for sale, at fair value
    
-
      
(3,940
)
Cost of equity securities acquired - available for sale, at market value
    
(22,033
)
    
(12,538
)
Cost of equity securities acquired - available for sale, at fair value
    
(438,641
)
    
(346,929
)
Cost of other invested assets acquired
    
(5,829,271
)
    
(5,396,001
)
Net change in short-term investments
    
(73,923
)
    
368,977
  
Net change in unsettled securities transactions
    
(30,229
)
    
9,388
  
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    
(732,577
)
    
(657,873
)
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                
Common shares issued during the period for share-based compensation, net of expense
    
(5,310
)
    
10,751
  
Purchase of treasury shares
    
(50,000
)
    
(386,288
)
Dividends paid to shareholders
    
(207,242
)
    
(195,384
)
Cost of shares withheld for taxes on settlements of share-based compensation awards
    
(12,906
)
    
(10,595
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    
(275,458
)
    
(581,516
)
                 
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH
    
(1,513
)
    
54,053
  
                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash
    
153,145
      
198,264
  
Cash, beginning of period
    
481,922
      
283,658
  
Cash, end of period
  
$
635,067
    
$
481,922
  
                 
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
                
Income taxes paid (recovered)
  
$
53,743
    
$
42,636
  
Interest paid
    
32,194
      
36,010
  


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